Belknap County’s beloved Gunstock Mountain is expanding once again, much to the excitement of outdoor enthusiasts and avid skiers. The ski resort has announced its plans to buy more mountains in the surrounding area to add to its business. But this latest development has sparked some controversy, particularly among the region’s libertarians, who have a complicated history with the mountain.
Just last year, a group of libertarians in County government wanted to sell off Gunstock Mountain, arguing that it was not the government’s responsibility to operate a ski resort. Former State Rep. Mike Sylvia was one of the most vocal supporters of this move, insisting that the resort was a financial burden on taxpayers.
“Gunstock Mountain is a prime example of government overreach,” Sylvia said in a statement. “We need to get rid of it and let the free market decide what happens to it.”
However, not everyone shared Sylvia’s views. Rep. Mike Bordes worked tirelessly to preserve the mountain and keep it in public hands.
“Gunstock Mountain is a cherished part of our community, and it provides a much-needed source of revenue for the county,” Bordes said. “We cannot let it fall into the hands of private developers who will only be concerned with their bottom line.”
Despite Bordes’ efforts, the libertarians came close to succeeding in their plan to sell off the mountain. However, the outcry from the community was so strong that the proposal was eventually scrapped.
Barely a year later and Gunstock Mountain is expanding again, but this time it is doing so through the acquisition of more mountains. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some residents thrilled at the prospect of even more skiing options and others concerned about the impact on the environment.
In response to the concerns, Gunstock has assured the public that it will continue to operate in an environmentally responsible manner, and that the expansion will bring economic benefits to the region.
“We are excited to continue growing and expanding our offerings here at Gunstock,” a spokesperson for the resort said. “We believe that this move will not only benefit our visitors, but also the entire community.”
As for the libertarians who wanted to sell off the mountain, they have largely remained silent on the issue. When reached for comment, Sylvia simply said, “I stand by my original statement. Gunstock Mountain should be in private hands.”
But Bordes, ever the champion of Gunstock, had a different perspective. “I’m thrilled to see Gunstock Mountain expanding and thriving,” he said. “This just goes to show that public ownership can be a real asset to our communities.”